Michael C. Murphy became the ninth Senior Minister of Peoples Congregational United Church of Christ in November 2008. The Chicago native was ordained in 1984. He served as the Senior Minister of St. Stephen's United Church of Christ in Lansing, Michigan for twenty-one years prior to his call to Peoples Church. Rev. Murphy is guided by the call of God to "build strong and committed disciples for Jesus Christ." It is a vision of ministry which addresses the spiritual needs of his congregation through preaching, teaching, and pastoral care. He has been described first and foremost as a "pastor-preacher." Social justice and human rights issues are Rev. Murphy's passions. He answered the call for public service in 1997, which began with his service on the Lansing City Council. Later, Rev. Murphy was elected and served in the Michigan House of Representatives for three terms, where he was known for his work on safety issues for children. During his tenure, he served on the Appropriations Committee and as the Chairperson of the Black Caucus. In 2006, the National Black Caucus of State Legislators awarded him the President's Award for his leadership in responding to the need in the Gulf Coast states after Hurricane Katrina. Dr. Murphy received his undergraduate degree from DePaul University and a master's degree in counseling from Michigan State University. His interest in pastoral care grew out of his studies in counseling, and he later entered the Chicago Theological Seminary and received both a master's and a doctorate of ministry. Additional theological study was obtained at the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC). Recognitions for service and leadership include an honorary doctorate from UCC-affiliated Olivet College, the CTS Alumni/ae Award in Ministry, and the "Champion of Hope" award for his advocacy for children services. He is a life-member of the N.A.A.C.P. and a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Devoted to his family, Rev. Murphy has two children, a son and a daughter who reside in North Carolina and Virginia respectively. Reverend Dr. Michael C. Murphy went home to be with our Lord December 28, 2014. There will be two Funeral Services held for Rev. Dr. Murphy as follows: Funeral Services will be held Saturday, January 10, 2015, 11am, at the Peoples Congregation UCC Church, 4704 13th Street NW, Washington, DC. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral. Rev. Dr. Murphy will lie in repose Tuesday, January 13, 6-8pm at the Riley Funeral Home, 426 West St. Joseph Street, Lansing, MI 48933. Funeral Services will also be held Wednesday, January 14, 2015, 11am, at the Tabernacle of David Worship Center, 2645 W. Holmes Road, Lansing, MI 48911. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral. The Murphy family wished to express thier sincere appreciation for your caring thoughts and deeds as well as praying for them during this difficult time. The family requests that donation be made in lieu of flowers in memory of Rev. Dr. Michael C. Murphy to: Black Child and Family Initiatives (formerly known as Black Child and Family Institute, c/o Martha J. Bibbs, PO Box 4304, Lansing, MI 48826; Ebola Relief and Recovery in Liberia, c/o Ambassador Jeremiah C. Sulunteh, The Embassy of Liberia, 5201 16th Street NW, Washington DC 20011. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.rileyfuneralhome.com.